Founded in 1975, the Pennine Singers celebrate their 35th Anniversary in 2010. Every week, up to 35 members meet together for the ‘joy’ of singing together. Whilst a high standard is always the choir’s ultimate goal, having fun, making music, is the most important part of every rehearsal.
Born into a musical family, it wasn’t long before Gareth was involved in music at the local church where his mother was the organist. Although introduced to the piano, it was singing that became most important to him and, as a boy soprano, he was a winner at Competitive Music Festivals throughout the country – including the International Festival of Llangollen. Later, as a baritone, he won the Rose Bowl at the Mrs. Sunderland Festival in Huddersfield.
An engineer, by trade, his love of music continued in his spare time and, along with his wife, Charmaine, he was a regular soloist for Music and Choral Societies through the North of England for the next 30 years. He joined the Huddersfield Choral Society in his early 20’s and became assistant conductor of the Society’s Youth Choir. Retiring from the concert platform at the age of 50, he sought other opportunities to conduct and was appointed as MD at Skelmanthorpe MVC. This appointment came to an end due to the pressures of his employment but, having recently retired, he was delighted when he was recently appointed to be the MD for the Pennine Singers.
Suzanne studied clarinet and piano at Huddersfield Polytechnic, graduating in 1992, and went on to have a successful career as a music teacher, working in schools in Keighley and Oldham. She relinquished her post as Head of Music at the Blue Coat School, Oldham, in 2005 to start a family. Highlights of her time spent in schools include directing ‘Grease, the Musical’ and training school choirs for success at ‘The Mrs. Sunderland Music Festival’, for several appearances on Granada TV’s ‘My Favourite Hymns’ and for participation in a Christmas special of ‘Stars in Their Eyes’!
She is also a keen singer, having sung for nearly 20 years with The Huddersfield Choral Society, and has recently formed a small choir in Outlane – ‘The Outlane Singers’. As a pianist, Suzanne has accompanied at Music Festivals, for Associated Board exams and plays the organ at local churches in Huddersfield. In 2001 she was awarded the Bessie Brearley Prize for the highest marks in Grade 8 Piano in Huddersfield.
Corrine studied at Royds Hall Grammar School and Southlands College, London before holding teaching posts at Oakes County Junior School, Reinwood Junior School and Lindley Junior School, where she became Deputy Head Teacher. Her responsibilities covered Choir Training, Recorder Groups, occasional Orchestral work and classroom music.
Outside her chosen profession Corrine has constantly been in demand as an accompanist, having worked with Lindley Operatic Society for over 25 years. In addition to her association with the Pennine Singers, she is also the accompanist for both the Huddersfield and District U3A Choir and Meltham G & S Society.
Pennine Singers
Musical Director
Accompanist
Deputy Accompanist